ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ

Choosing a university is about more than just a course – it’s about finding a place where you’ll feel confident, supported, and able to thrive. 

Whether it’s exploring our cutting-edge facilities, chatting to our friendly staff about the course you’re interested in, or just getting a real feel for the atmosphere, visiting can make all the difference when it comes to making that all-important decision. 

Both Open Days and Offer Holder Days are designed to bring that experience to life – but in different ways. So, what’s the difference? 

Open Days are full-day events with tours of our facilities and accommodation, course talks and plenty of activities to give you a flavour of what you might experience at university. 

Offer Holder Days, however, are invite-only events for anyone holding one or more offers with us. Here, you’ll have the chance to dive into subject-specific activities, meet the lecturers who’ll be teaching you, chat with current students, and connect with other applicants who could soon become your course mates. 

Second-year Zoology with Environmental Management student, Willow Hark, from Telford, attended both an Open Day and an Offer Holder Day before choosing ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ – and says the experience played a key role in her decision. 

“The Open Day and Offer Holder Day helped me make my decision as it allowed me to see what going to Harper Adams would be like. Being able to meet someone who would be lecturing me helped me to feel comfortable as I liked how laid back and friendly John Reade was.” 

For Willow, the two events provided different but equally valuable insights; deeper insight that also helped her better understand her course and make her final decision. 

“I first attended the Open Day, which gave me a good overview of what it was like at Harper Adams – but attending Offer Holder Day provided me with a clearer view of the course I was interested in. 

“My Offer Holder Day was two years ago now but I remember enjoying it because we got a taste of what we would be studying, got to meet some of the tutors and speak to real students about their time which helped to provide a good idea of what it is really like to study here. 

“Another thing that helped me was writing down all the subjects and noting which ones I would like to do - I compared all the courses I applied to and then ended up accepting the one I am on now as it had the most ticks.” 

Willow working as a Student Ambassador at our Harper Adams Experience (HAE) Residential.

Since arriving at Harper, Willow says the sense of support and community has stood out to her, both from the support staff and the student community. 

“During my time here so far, I have had support every step of the way from both lecturers and the Student Support Team. 

“I'm someone who doesn't enjoy going out, so with university life being known for having big social events, it seemed scary joining a university if you’re anything like me and you don't fancy participating in them. 

“However, Harper is a great place to live – you have access to so much nature! There are societies for everyone, and it is easy to make friends. You get to meet likeminded people, and the lecturers are really approachable. At Harper it really does feel like a community providing a safe space for everyone and a strong support system. 

“I enjoyed living in student accommodation in my first year as my flatmates knew I didn't go out so when going out to socialise, they would be respectful.” 

Looking back, Willow believes Offer Holder Days are especially valuable for building early connections, and has advice for anyone in the same shoes as her. 

“I think the Offer Holder Days help a lot, as you also get to meet potential classmates, allowing you to connect with them if you wish - and possibly make friends before even coming to Harper. 

“Don’t be scared! Also don’t be afraid to ask questions because everyone is more than happy to answer them that is what we are here for. I went with a friend to make it less scary, but they also really did help me see from an outsider’s view what Harper was really like.” 

Want to discover what ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ can offer you? 

Head to this dedicated event page to see what opportunities are on offer to come and visit us, whether that’s our Open Days, Offer Holder Days or course-specific Experience Days.